Quiz: Can You Identify Every Player on the Republic of Ireland National Football Team?: HowStuffWorks

Can You Identify Every Player on the Republic of Ireland National Football Team?

SPORTS

By: Zoe Samuel

7 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons by Michael Kranewitter

About This Quiz

Irish football changed, just as Ireland changed. For the early days of organised play, Ireland had a single team, but pressures both political and within the sport divided and recombined the national team over the years, giving Ireland teams based on region and league. There were glimmers of hope throughout the decades, but it wasn't really until the 1980s and 1990s when the team began to see successes in the form of twice qualifying for the World Cup and once qualifying for the European Championship.

A small nation, Ireland is usually in the scrum of other nations with similar talent pools, reaching the nadir of their successes in the mid-2000s, culminating in a humiliating defeat to Cyprus. Things began to turn around in 2013, but by 2018, the team was again under new management and remain so today, a second chance for McCarthy to prove his worth to the nation.

Today feels like a clean slate for the team. Some players are there to build upon past successes, while others have only recently emerged onto the scene, still just in their teens. The team has nothing to lose and everything to play for, with the talent to ride out long campaigns and the experience to know when to push. Would you know Ireland's football stars on sight?

Wiki Commons by Nick

This defender is in the prime of life. Do you recall his name?

Graham Burke

Cyrus Christie

Callum O'Dowda

Mark Travers

Cyrus Christie may be English, but with an Irish grandmother, he was eligible to play for Ireland, and indeed does. A journeyman, Christie played for Coventry City, Nuneaton Town, Hinckley United, Derby County, Middlesbrough, and most recently, Fulham.

Advertisement

Sheffield United FC

This player's shaved head sets him apart. Can you name him though?

Ronan Curtis

Shane Duffy

Matt Doherty

David McGoldrick

Striker David McGoldrick has been on fans' radar since 2004 when he made his senior debut. Since then, he has moved around a bit, landing with Sheffield United and playing for Ireland's national team.

Advertisement

AFC Bournemouth

Do you know the name of this Premier League goalkeeper?

Glenn Whelan

John Egan

Mark Travers

Shane Duffy

Maynooth native Mark Travers earned his first cap for Ireland in 2019. A representative of Ireland in the under 21s, Travers is signed with AFC Bournemouth but has made the most appearances, by far, for Weymouth, to whom he is on loan.

Advertisement

BT Sport

Can you identify this player through his facial hair?

Alan Browne

Matt Doherty

Enda Stevens

Glenn Whelan

Right-back Matt Doherty may have only made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2016, but his career has been worth a second look for some time. Signed by the Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club in 2010, he made his mark on Irish football teams until his call-up by the national team, following a spell in the under-21s.

Advertisement

FAI TV

Can you name this player who splits his time between his native club and Brighton?

Shane Duffy

Conor Hourihane

Enda Stevens

Ronan Curtis

Defender Shane Duffy came up through the Everton system, though he spent most of his time with them on loan. He left for the Rovers in 2014, and finally Brighton in 2016. It wasn't until his turn with Brighton that he was promoted to the Premier League.

Advertisement

Sheffield United FC

Do you know the name of this defender?

Alan Browne

Kevin Obafemi

James Hendricks

John Egan

Defender John Egan is a key player for the Republic of Ireland, as well as Sheffield United. In fact, it was Egan's joining of Sheffield United that enabled them to claw their way into the Premier League. With regard to his performances on behalf of Ireland, the Cork native represented Ireland in under-17s, under-19s, and under-21s before being tapped for the national team.

Advertisement

Sheffield United FC

Can you name this Dublin native?

Enda Stevens

James Hendricks

Alan Browne

Conor Hourihane

Sheffield United's Enda Stevens started his professional career with the Shamrock Rovers, moving to Aston Villa, who loaned him to several teams. Following his turn with Aston Villa, Stevens played for Portsmouth before joining Sheffield United in 2017.

Advertisement

Stoke City FC

Who is this defensive midfielder?

Glenn Whelan

Derrick Williams

Alan Judge

Séamus Coleman

Dublin native Glenn Whelan, who currently plays for Fleetwood Town FC, began his professional career in the Manchester City organization, but soon moved to Sheffield Wednesday, followed by moves to Stoke City, with whom he spent most of his career, and then Heart of Midlothian FC with whom he had an acrimonious departure.

Advertisement

Aston Villa FC

This central midfielder's name exists, but do you know it?

Jeff Hendrick

Darren Randolph

Conor Hourihane

James McClean

Bandon's own Conor Hourihane plays for Aston Villa at the moment. He started his career with Sunderland, Ispwich Town and Plymouth Argyle, but it was Barnsley FC with whom he spent the most time, signing in 2014 and playing for them until January of 2017 when he made the move to Aston Villa.

Advertisement

Virgin Media Sport

Who is this central midfielder?

Alan Judge

Aaron Judge

James McClean

Alan Browne

Born in Cork in 1995, Alan Browne started his career with Cork City's under 19s. More recently, Browne moved to League One club Preston North End, with whom he won the league title, and later the player of the year award.

Advertisement

Derby County Football Club

Can you name this player who got his start with St. Kevin's Boys FC?

James McClean

Darren Randolph

Jeff Hendrick

Kieran O'Hara

Indeed, Dublin native Jeff Hendrick got his professional start with St. Kevin's Boys FC, long before joining his current club, Burnley FC. Hendrick spent the bulk of his career with Derby County FC, for whom he appeared over 200 times.

Advertisement

Brentford FC

Who is this midfielder?

Derrick McClean

Kieran O'Hara

Darren Randolph

Alan Judge

Dubliner Alan Judge has played for six professional clubs, including Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers, as well as the Irish national team. Before playing on the Irish national team, he represented Ireland in the under 17, under 18, under 19, under 21, and under 23 groups.

Advertisement

Stoke City FC

Can you name this winger?

Daryl Murphy

Derrick McClean

James McClean

Kieran O'Hara

Derry native James McClean started his career with Institute FC, eventually moving to Derry City FC, and then the big move to Sunderland. McClean followed Sunderland with a tour at Wigan, and then a transfer to West Bromwich Albion until finally joining Stoke City in 2018.

Advertisement

West Ham United FC

Are you capable of identifying this goalie?

Darren Randolph

Josh Obafemi

Kieran O'Hara

Séamus Coleman

Son of Bray, Darren Randolph is a double threat. A basketball standout, he represents Ireland in both basketball and football. Beginning his career with the Ardmore Rovers, Randolph played for Charlton Athletic, Hereford United, Motherwell, Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, and West Ham United for whom he has twice signed, but not consecutively.

Advertisement

Morecambe FC

Goalkeepers don't always get the glory, but they do all have names. Can you name this one?

Kieran O'Hara

Nicholas Obafemi

Séamus Coleman

Derrick McClean

Officially signed for Manchester United, goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara has never appeared for the team, spending his time with Man U on loan. O'Hara was loaned to Trafford, AFC Fylde, Morecambe, Stockport County, Macclesfield Town, and Burton Albion.

Advertisement

Everton FC

Would you get right back to us with the name of this right-back?

Ciaran Clark

Séamus Coleman

Derrick McClean

Lee O'Connor

Right-back and Killybegs native Séamus Coleman currently plays for Everton, but it was not always thus. From 2006 to 2009, he played for Sligo Rovers FC. In 2009, while dealing with serious health issues, Coleman was signed by Everton. He has played for Everton ever since, with a brief stint on loan to Blackpool.

Advertisement

FAI TV

This young player is a name to remember. Do you remember it?

Ciaran Clark

Richard Keogh

Lee O'Connor

Derrick Williams

Young defender Lee O'Connor is short on years, but long on talent. Born in Waterford, Lee O'Connor played the bulk of his youth within the Manchester United system, but since 2019 he has been under control of Celtic. He has played in the under 17, under 19, under 21, and adult teams on behalf of Ireland.

Advertisement

Derby County Football Club

Do you know the name of this two-position player?

Brian Williams

Ronan Curtis

Ciaran Clark

Richard Keogh

Capable of playing centre-back and right-back, Richard Keogh is a veteran player, both for Ireland and for his professional employers. While he made his professional debut in Iceland for the memorably named Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur, Keogh has appeared for Bristol City, Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Carlisle United, Coventry City and Derby County.

Advertisement

Aston Villa FC

Can you identify this triple-threat?

Ciaran Clark

Derrick Williams

Jon Conlan

Jack Byrne

Few players are as versatile as Ciaran Clark. Capable of playing left-back and central midfielder, Ciaran Clark's main position is a central defender. Currently playing for Newcastle United, Clark played for England in the under 17, under 18, under 19, and under 20 groups. Still, when he became an adult, he was approached by Ireland and switched allegiances, now a member of their national team.

Advertisement

Portsmouth FC

Striker. Left-winger. What's this man's name?

Derrick Williams

Jack Brady

Robbie Brady

Ronan Curtis

Born in England but raised in Ireland, Ronan Curtis made his senior debut for Derry City in 2014 but has come a long way since then. In addition to representing Ireland, he played for Derry City's professional squad, as well as his current team, Portsmouth.

Advertisement

Virgin Media Sport

Ireland shares this player with Blackburn. Who is he?

Gabriel Long

Jack Byrne

Callum O'Dowda

Derrick Williams

Blackburn Rover and member of the Irish national team Derrick Williams was born in Germany and made his professional debut for Aston Villa, whose youth system trained him. 2013 saw him move to Bristol City, whom he left in 2016 for Blackburn.

Advertisement

FAI TV

Can you name this son of Cork?

Robbie Brady

Kevin Long

Kevin Byrne

Stephen Quinn

Cork native Kevin Long spent his youth and the beginning of his senior career playing for Cork City. Signing with Burnley in 2010, he has since played on loan to Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Portsmouth, Barnsley, and Milton Keynes Dons.

Advertisement

Bristol City FC

What is the name of this left winger?

Callum O'Dowda

Sean Maguire

Stephen Quinn

Robbie Brady

Left-winger Callum O'Dowda began his football career with the Oxford United Academy when he was just nine years old, eventually playing for the senior club from 2013 to 2016. In 2016, he signed with Bristol City and has played for them ever since.

Advertisement

Kilmarnock FC

Do you know this Dubliner?

Troy Parrott

James Collins

Aaron Connolly

Jack Byrne

In 2012, having spent most of his life playing for St Kevin's Boys youth teams, Byrne made the move to Man City, with whom he remained signed for the first years of his senior career. During that contract, he was loaned to Cambuur and Blackburn Rovers. Signing with Wigan Athletic, he was loaned to Oldham Athletic. Since then, he has played for Kilmarnock and the Shamrock Rovers.

Advertisement

Hull City AFC

Can you name this midfielder?

Sean Maguire

Robbie Brady

Stephen Quinn

Aaron Connolly

Midfielder Stephen Quinn may be small in stature, but the Dublin native has been playing professionally since 2004. Starting his career with St Patrick's Athletic, he has since played for Sheffield United, Milton Keynes Dons, Rotherham United, Hull City, Reading and Burton Albion.

Advertisement

Burnley FC

Who is this Irish football star?

Troy Parrott

Sean Maguire

Robbie Brady

Josh Cullen

Dublin's own Robbie Brady is as promising a football player as any. Quickly snapped up by Manchester United's youth system from St Kevin's Boys, he spent his time with the senior club on loan to Hull City for whom he appeared 51 times. Following the loan, he officially joined Hull City, playing in 63 games, and later signing with Norwich City and Burnley. He has represented Ireland at all levels.

Advertisement

FAI TV

What is the name of this midfielder?

Josh Cullen

Troy Parrott

Aaron Connolly

Sean Maguire

English-born Josh Cullen came up through West Ham United's youth system and remains signed with the club to this day. While he has made three appearances for West Ham U, he has spent the bulk of his time with the team on loan to the likes of Bradford City, the Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic. He represented England in under 16, but since under 19, he has represented Ireland.

Advertisement

Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore

Can you strike upon the name for this striker?

Scott Hogan

James Collins

Graham Burke

Sean Maguire

Luton-born Sean Maguire has been playing for Ireland since he was approached for their youth squad. Currently playing for Preston North End, he was originally signed by Waterford United, later signed by West Ham United, who loaned him to Sligo Rovers and Accrington Stanley, before being signed by and playing for Dundalk, Cork City and finally, Preston North End.

Advertisement

Virgin Media Sport

This youth has risen rapidly through the ranks. Who is he?

Troy Parrott

Josh Christie

James Collins

Scott Hogan

Born in Dublin, Troy Parrott has made his way onto the national team with incredible speed. Born in 2002, he became a part of the senior squad in 2019, having played for the under 17s when he was only 15 years old, rising through the other junior rankings until now. Signed with Tottenham Hotspur's senior squad since 2019, expect to see a lot of him.

Advertisement

FAI TV

Can you name this Premier League player?

Wes Hoolahan

Daryl Murphy

Aaron Connolly

Graham Burke

Brighton & Hove Albion's Aaron Connolly is a talented young man with a bright future. Currently on loan to Luton Town, Connolly played for Ireland in the under 17s, under 19s, and under 21s before joining the senior squad.

Advertisement

Ipswich Town FC

Not to be confused with a player by the same name, who is this Irish footballer?

James Collins

Rob Elliot

Scott Hogan

Daryl Horgan

James Collins of Ireland, as opposed to James Collins of Wales, began his career playing for Aston Villa's youth system and the Irish under 19s. Since reaching adulthood, he has been loaned to Darlington and Burton Albion, signed by Shrewsbury Town, Swindon Town, Hibernian, Shrewsbury Town, Northampton Town, Crawley Town and Luton Town.

Advertisement

Stoke City FC

Can you name this player who has played for 11 professional teams?

Bob Grey

Scott Burke

Daryl Horgan

Scott Hogan

English-born Scott Hogan has been a forward for 11 teams over his career, and he is not yet even 30 years old! A product of the Rochdale youth system, he has signed with or been loaned to Woodley Sports, FC Halifax Town, Mossley, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Ashton United, Hyde, Rochdale, Brentford, Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Stoke City.

Advertisement

Shamrock Rovers FC

What do you think is the name of this forward?

Rob Elliot

Graham Burke

Daryl Murphy

Murphy Daryl

Currently on loan to the Shamrock Rovers from Preston North End, Graham Burke began his senior playing career with Shrewsbury Town and Notts County on loan from Aston Villa. Since then, Burke signed with Notts County, Shamrock Rovers and Preston North End, who then loaned him to Gillingham, and most recently, the Shamrock Rovers.

Advertisement

Bolton Wanderers FC

Who is this League One striker?

Jimmy Dunne

Daryl Horgan

Daryl Murphy

Gary Rogers

Waterford native Daryl Murphy began his youth career with Southend United and Luton Town, but played for or signed with 11 teams as an adult. Murphy spent the bulk of his career playing for Ipswich Town with 127 appearances and Sunderland with 110 appearances and is currently playing for Bolton.

Advertisement

FAI TV

Can you name this son of Galway?

Jimmy Dunne

Wes Hoolahan

Rob Elliot

Daryl Horgan

Galway-born Daryl Horgan was associated with Salthill Devon from the time he signed as a youth in 2000 until making the switch to Sligo Rovers in 2011. He was then loaned to and eventually signed by Cork City, only to be signed by Dundalk, Preston North End, and most recently, Hibernian.

Advertisement

FAI TV

Do you know the name of this English-born goalkeeper?

Gary Rogers

Rob Elliot

Wes Hoolahan

Shay Given

A product of Erith Town and Charlton Athletic, Greenwich-born Rob Elliot appeared for Charlton Athletic 94 times, while also being loaned to Bishop's Stortford, Notts County and Accrington Stanley. He has been signed with Newcastle United since 2011.

Advertisement

Norwich City FC

Can you name this A-League player?

Darragh Lenihan

John O'Shea

Jimmy Dunne

Wes Hoolahan

Nicknamed "The Irish Messi" by Norwich supporters, Wes Hoolahan played for Norwich City for 10 years (2008-2018) before more recent signings with West Bromwich Albion and more recently, Newcastle Jets. He represented Ireland on the senior squad from 2008 to 2017.

Advertisement

Burnley FC

Who is this centre-back?

Jimmy Dunne

Josh Christie

John O'Shea

Darragh Lenihan

Dundalk's Jimmy Dunne came up through the Manchester United youth system as well as Burnley's, and has been signed with the latter as an adult since 2017. He has been loaned to Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Heart of Midlothian, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town.

Advertisement

Reading FC

This player is currently a coach. Who is he?

Shay Given

Seamus O'Neill

Gary Rogers

John O'Shea

Noted for versatility in playing almost any position, John O'Shea made 256 appearances for Man U from 1999 to 2011, spending short times on loan to Bournemouth and Royal Antwerp. From 2011 to 2018 he made 226 appearances for Sunderland, and later, nine for Reading, for whom he is currently a coach.

Advertisement

Dundalk FC

This goalkeeper plays in Ireland right now! Who is he?

Gary Rogers

Josh Christie

Darragh Lenihan

Shay Given

Navan native Gary Rogers, who currently plays for Dundalk, originally signed with Shelbourne, who loaned him to St Francis. It was his next signing, with Drogheda United, where he got the bulk of his playing time early in his career, eclipsed only by his recent stint with Dundalk.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

Get smarter every day! Subscribe & get 1 quiz every week.

Playing quizzes is free! We send trivia questions and personality tests every week to your inbox. By clicking "Sign Up" you are agreeing to our
privacy policy
and confirming that you are 13 years old or over.